16 June 2017

Innovation Manifesto: Strategy for the future of laminate flooring.

Innovation Manifesto: Strategy for the future of laminate flooring. On 8 and 9 May 2017, over 60 participants gathered for the Annual General Meeting of the EPLF held in the Salzkammergut Region of Austria at the invitation of member company Neuhofer Holz GmbH (Zell am Moos, Austria). In the new EPLF Innovation Manifesto, the Association has set down its strategy for a successful future in laminate flooring. Four companies delivered keynote presentations – Hymmen, Interprint, Selit Dämmtechnik and Surteco/Dakor Melamin – giving EPLF networkers a comprehensive package of information on important industry topics.

Progress in the Technical Working Group The EU-sponsored “Chair Castor Test” project is underway and initial tests are already being carried out. The test procedure used so far is to be modernized as it is 50 years old and totally outdated. Additionally, several EPLF member companies are currently trialling a new testing device for the small ball impact test. The EPLF is currently achieving success with its professional involvement in the new EU Ecolabel for furniture and floor coverings made from wood, cork or bamboo; the new version came into effect at the end of January 2017. The EU Ecolabel gives a clear signal on an international level to end customers who wish to contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution by buying eco-friendly products. European quality laminate flooring complies broadly with the criteria for this product label, which is why the high-end laminates made by EPLF member companies will be able to apply for the EU Ecolabel in the future. EPLF regional sales still inconsistent Global sales of laminate flooring produced in Europe by EPLF member companies during the 1st quarter of 2017 showed a slight downward trend compared with the same quarter of the previous year, but regional development continued to show the usual variations. Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, Western Europe was the only regional market that was weaker overall, whereas Eastern Europe remained relatively stable, North America demonstrated considerable growth, and South America and Asia registered double-digit growth. But a quarter does not represent a whole year – there are still a lot of opportunities and there is a lot more work to be done. EPLF Innovation Manifesto adopted The EPLF Executive Committee launched a special Association initiative last year – a new strategy paper formulating the self-perception of the Association and defining the guiding principles for future activities. The EPLF Innovation Manifesto was officially presented to and adopted by members in Mondsee. Vice-President Paul De Cock: “Laminate is the flooring that has reinvented itself time after time across 40 years. Constant innovation by the European laminate industry is manifested in tangible benefits for our customers – and from these we can derive development potential for our laminate floors, thereby securing our leadership claim into the future. European laminate will remain what it justifiably is today: flooring that is fit for the future anywhere in the world – and the best laminate in the world. The EPLF Working Groups will meet for more sessions throughout the year. The next major Association meeting will be at the invitation of extraordinary member Välinge Innovation Sweden and will take place on 16 and 17 May 2018 in Viken, Sweden. For information about laminate floors and an overview of members of the European brand producers, contact Mrs Anke Wöhler: